William “Bill” Giffin

B: April 9, 1935 D: Nov. 2, 2008

William “Bill” Giffin, 73, of Polson, MT passed away on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008 at St. Luke Nursing Home in Ronan. Bill was born on April 9, 1935 in Missoula. He graduated from high school in Missoula and worked at the Missoulian, was a bellhop at the Florence Hotel and at Davis Drug Supply during his high school years. Bill furthered his education by taking a correspondence course in printing. He also served in the National Guard. He married June Anderson and moved to Polson. They later divorced. He started working at the Flathead Courier and continued to work there for 13 years. Bill married Janet Graves Keller and became an instant father to three children, Kathie, Cliff & Kent Keller, a son David Giffin was born in 1966. Bill started his own printing business –The Lake County Press in Ronan in 1973 and continued to operate it until 1978. He worked for St. Joseph Hospital, Lake County Sheriff Dispatch Dept., Lake County Ambulance & eventually worked at the City of Polson Street Department. He was superintendent of the Polson Street Department for 12 years. He was active in the Polson Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. He was also a volunteer EMT & Policeman. In 1989, Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease and he retired from the City Street Department. He is preceded in death Parents He is survived by his wife Janet of Polson, His children- Kathie Chilcott of Deer Lodge, Mt. Cliff (Cathy) Keller of Pullman, WA. Kent (Denise) Keller of Ponderay, ID. David Giffin of Sand Point, Idaho Brothers- Richard (Noma) Giffin of Polson and his identical twin Robert A. (Joyce) Giffin of Missoula Grandchildren- Christie, Tanya, Brian, Dalena, Donovan, Dale, Jessica, Kyla, Brent, Kindra. Great Grandchildren- Kiya, Devin, Brittany, Rico, Shalita, Christopher Great Great Grandchildren- Jerium, Justus Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Polson Community Church in Polson, with Rev. Richard Widerholdt officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

11/04/2008
Auburn, WA
My Uncle Bill was a special person. Always a smile on his face and a joke on his lips (good or bad). I distinctly remember one day after my parents (my father Bob is his identical twin brother) had left for the grocery store, I heard the doorbell and opened the back door - not paying a whole lot of attention I said 'What did you forget and why did you ring the doorbell (thinking it was my father)?'. He just gave me a blank stare and then I looked around the corner and saw my Aunt Jan, his wife, standing there and realized that it was Bill and not my Dad. That sticks in my mind the most. It was very funny and we all got a laugh out of it. It was painful to watch (albeit from a distance) Bill deteriorate due to Parkinson's. But I will always have find memories of Bill and his family. Bill is in a better place right now, free from the shackles of his disease. I offer Janet, Kathy, Cliff, Kent, and David sincere condolences. I wish I could be there for the memorial but my travel schedule prevents it. I am there in heart. Robert H. Giffin - Auburn, WA, nephew of Bill Giffin.

11/04/08
Alan & Lola Elmstrom
May you have peaceful closier on loss of Bill - Bob's very special twin. Our thoughts and prayers are with all.

November 4,2008
Missoula, MT
Dave we just send our condolances on this great loss. Please know that you are in our prayers. May you have comfort just knowing that your dad is in a much better place. Chuck & Judy Anderson Terry Havelka's parents.

Nov. 4, 2008
Redmond WA
Dear children of Bill Giffin: We here at Strobe Data would like to offer our condolences to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Vera West and Willard West and all the rest of Strobe Data, Inc.

11-05-2008
Erin Rasberry, RN
It was a privilege to care for Bill for the past few years. He always had a smile for me and a sparkle in his eye, even though many times I'm sure it was almost too much effort for him to do so. I will miss that. I will also miss making him laugh and seeing his face light up when we were joking around. I'm thankful knowing that he is in a much better place now. My condolences to the entire Giffin family.

4 Jov 2008
Yuma Az
Sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. We have been thinking of all the great times we all had togeather in High School Jim and Joyce (Harland) Glantz

11/6/2008
Denver, Colorado
Dave, I am truly sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good man and he will be missed. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing your dad for a lot of years but the years that I did know him were very formidable years for me as a young man and your dad left a lasting impression on me. The one thing that I remember most about him was the way that he would always make me smile (and often laugh) as he tried to impart his wisdom on us as teenage boys. I have fond memories of the time we spent together and your dad figures prominently in those memories. Not always as a prominent figure but always as a authority figure and friend who I never wanted to disappoint. I know that that there is nothing that I can write that will ease the pain but I want you to know that your and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe and God Bless. Terry Havelka

11/8/08
Amy Nelson Knutson
We are relieved that Bill is at peace though, it is never easy to lose a loved one. Know that we are thinking of you and we pray for your comfort at this tough time. Amy and Al Knutson

11/10/2008
Polson, Montana
Bil has been such a wonderful part of our community for so many years. I worked with him at the hospital and he was always a bright spot in the day. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

November 13, 2008
Bigfork, MT
Dear Janet and Children, I just found Bill's obituary on the website and wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. What a sweet man with such unfunny jokes..... Jean (Welch, Frazer) Fischer